SOLID PHASE IMMUNOASSAY APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR RAPID DETECTION OF BACTERIA

An assay device is provided for use in determining the presence of a target analyte in a sample. The assay device comprises a solid platform comprising a fibrous mat, the solid platform impregnated with a first FRET chromophore. An antibody-FRET chromophore conjugate is immobilized on a surface of the solid platform, wherein the antibody-FRET chromophore conjugate comprises an antibody affixed to a second FRET chromophore. The first FRET chromophore and the second FRET chromophore are selected to provide an energy transfer from one to another when located within a Förster distance with respect to each other, thereby forming a FRET donor-acceptor chromophore pair. In a further aspect, a method of detecting a target analyte in a sample is provided. In yet a further aspect, packaging sheet materials and packaging articles employing the assay device under certain conditions are provided.